As I write this we’re part way through Term 4, and my inbox is teaming with emails about end-of-year school events and need-to-know info for next year! It can be a stressful time, but there are things you can do to keep your head above water and have a bit of fun along the way.

I recommend the 4Ps - Planning, Partying, Preserving and Prepping. Your future self will thank you, even if you’re only across three of them. You’ll feel calmer, more in control and ready for the new year.

 Let’s get started!

PLANNING

Planning ahead helps reduce overwhelm and boost the smile-to-frown ratio of your household. Here’s what you need to know as we enter the final stretch of the year.

Calendar

Paper or digital, as long as it’s accessible and reliable, your calendar is your best friend. Parties, events, carols nights, performances, awards nights - know your key dates and pop them in.

Notes

Have a reliable system for notes about what to bring/prepare for key dates - food, costumes, uniforms, swim gear, gifts etc. Ensure the information is accessible (where, when, what, who) for those that need to know.

Review daily

Avoid surprises by reviewing your calendar daily. Going through it at the start of the week will help you get a sense of the big picture to mentally prepare for the week ahead.

The 2 minute rule

If it takes less than 2 minutes to do, do it right away.

•   Send RSVPs

•   Fill out forms

•   Reply to emails

•   Add 26 candy canes to your shopping list…

 Divide and conquer

Discuss your schedule, planning, movements and responsibilities with your family to help share the load. As Ed Asner said, “having kids is part joy, part guerrilla warfare.” You’re all in it together, so win it together!

Buffer time for the unexpected

Allow extra time for traffic, forgetful teens, toddler tantrums, lost shoes, and a bit of breathing room for yourself (and coffee!).

PARTYING 

Now for the fun part - where you can enjoy the benefits of your planning! These tips can help.

Go Zone/Command Centre

Your go-to space for day-to-day home and life management. Great at the end of the year for holding:

•    Party snacks

•    Swim gear

•    Permission slips

•    Thank You gifts

•    Christmas cards

•    Instruments

•    Library books

Keep the space flexible so it can adapt as your needs change.

Handmade Christmas cards

Tackle your mountain of unused craft supplies, free up space, amuse the kids, and tick off essential end-of-year tasks. Craft supplies are quick to buy, but slow to use up. Keep them organised and easy to access.

 Party food

Know what extras need to be on your shopping list for parties and bring-a-plate events. Get the kids involved in the planning and cooking to build excitement for events, create memories AND get things done.

 Teacher gifts

A quick shout out on my social page revealed the gifts teachers love and the gifts they’d rather forget. Here’s the summary:

·       If it’s edible, check favoured brands and dietary requirements.

·       No to coffee cups, yes to drink bottles.

·       Personalised gifts that capture a special interest of the teacher were a big winner.

·       Reusables for the environmentally conscious.

·       Gift cards to their favourite coffee hangout.

·       Christmas decorations, either handmade or store bought, give the teacher a chance to revisit thoughtful gifts of past students.

·       Charitable donations are a lovely gesture - also clutter free!

 PRESERVING

 If you’re struggling with the piles of school work and keepsakes coming home at the end of term 4, check out these tips.

Take time to edit

As organising Guru Peter Walsh says, “When everything is precious nothing is precious”. Ask yourself these questions:

·       Is it a great example of my child’s skills, learning or interests this year?

·       Does it evoke a pleasant emotion when I look at it?

·       Is it important to them?

 A little extra thought when curating ensures items will be enjoyed for years to come.

Store or display

Here are two factors to consider when storing or displaying:

1. Keep it simple

A quick Google search will unearth more inspiring ways to store school work than you can poke a stick at. Keep it simple, and always consider the time, energy and space you have available.

2. Make it easy to enjoy

Accessibility is key. Try a display folder, scrapbook, small storage tub, or suspension box with one hanging file per year. It might feel a like a hassle during this busy time, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Keep it safe

Small sixed tubs are far more effective than plastic bags in the garage or back of the cupboard, and less at risk of mould, breaks and cockroaches.

Christmas cards

Set aside some space to display Christmas cards from school friends. At the end of the season, keep cards from treasured friends, and upcycle others for craft.

PREPPING

When it comes to school stationery, being unorganised leads to double-up purchases, extra clutter and less storage for other items. These tips can help.

Set up shop

Decide how much storage space you are willing to devote to unused/spare school items and set up your own personal stationery store. Think “boutique collection” rather than “Officeworks-at-home’’

Donate

Store selected items at the end of the school year, and donate excess to a charity for children in need.

Check

Be sure to check your “boutique collection” before ordering new stationery for the upcoming year. And resist the temptation to order the whole booklist pack, as you’ll no doubt end up with excess items you don’t need.

Final thoughts

The end of the year is nigh! There’s a lot to do. But, with the right systems in place (The 4Ps), you can turn the oncoming wave of chaos into a well-oiled machine, and head into the new year with confidence. You might even free up more time for things you’d rather be doing - like going to the beach! Now those are some waves we can all get behind. Good luck!